Join the Military?

[theofficegirl]

I'll try to be brief with the frustrating circumstances.

I'm a CNA. I have a BS in Psychology with math up to Calculus I and two semesters of general chemistry. I was aiming at med school, but since money ran out, all I got was this lousy diploma. :)

I'm considering becoming a Nurse Practioner at this point, but time and money are still an issue. I need to work full time to keep a roof over my head. I also have my mother living with me, who does not make enough (working full time) to live on her own.

My father (a retired Marine) is pushing me to join the military (any branch) - and tells me with the college credits I already have, that I could pursue my ARNP there. He's also told me that the age limit has been increased to 40 (I will be 38 soon), and that physical limitations (I have an undiagnosed/untreated back problem) are considered with respect to the goal.

Does anyone know any particulars on joining the military on a nursing track? Is it possible to pursue a Practitioner avenue? Is it possible to begin earning a paycheck to keep one's regular home upon enlistment? Does one really get special consideration based on their age and limitations?

:smilecoffeecup:

[theofficegirl]

Your back problems will no doubt keep you out of the military. they have great programs, but there is nothing worng with taking loans out in order to complete your program. There are plenty of accelerated nursing program out here that only take a year to complete a BSN (with your last degree and prerequisites). Joining the military is a scary option at this time in the game.

I agree about the back problems. I should clarify that I'm capable of full duty nursing - it's just that one wrong move puts me down for a day or two.

I've been trying to find out about accelerated programs (I'm in FL) - but they only seem to exist for LPNS. I can't find any information on what I can do with what I have. I admit, I haven't talked to a counselor yet.

So far, it seems that I will need to sit for the basic ADN, then get into a BSN program, and then I can apply for an ARNP into a year of a Masters.

If you have other info, I'd love to hear it.